Switzerland offers support to Solomon Islands to reopen a permanent diplomatic mission in Geneva, strengthening bilateral ties.
KOROR, PALAU – Switzerland has offered significant financial and logistical support to assist Solomon Islands in re-establishing a permanent diplomatic mission in Geneva, opening a potentially important new platform for the country to advance its interests within the global multilateral system.
The offer was made by H.E. Barbara Anna Gonzenbach, Special Envoy of Switzerland for the Pacific Region and Ambassador of Switzerland accredited to Solomon Islands, during a bilateral meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Rick Houenipwela and Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr. in Koror, Palau.
Ambassador Gonzenbach outlined a Swiss support package designed to help Solomon Islands establish and maintain permanent diplomatic missions in Geneva.
Under the proposal, Switzerland would assist with key costs associated with establishing a Solomon Islands mission, including office accommodation and further limited support towards residential accommodation for the head of mission.
Ambassador Gonzenbach explained that Geneva provides a unique platform for small Island states to engage directly with a wide range of international organisations and countries without having to maintain numerous diplomatic missions around the world.
Geneva hosts major multilateral institutions including the United Nations Office at Geneva, the World Health Organization, the World Trade Organization, the World Meteorological Organization, and the Human Rights Council.
“For Solomon Islands, a permanent presence in Geneva would provide direct access to these institutions and strengthen the country’s ability to advance national and Pacific priorities on climate change, health, trade, human rights, sustainable development and international cooperation,” Ambassador Gonzenbach said.
Minister Houenipwela welcomed the Swiss offer, noting that Solomon Islands had previously maintained a diplomatic presence in Geneva before consolidating its representation in Brussels.
He said the concentration of international organisations and diplomatic missions in Geneva presented a significant opportunity for Solomon Islands to maximise its limited diplomatic resources given that as a Small Island State; we cannot have missions everywhere.
Locating in Geneva will also provide opportunities to engage through the Commonwealth Small States Office and identify further synergies to reduce the operational costs of maintaining a mission.
Responding to Minister Kenilorea’s questions about office and residential accommodation, Ambassador Gonzenbach confirmed that substantial support could be provided under the Swiss proposal.
Switzerland also offered administrative assistance, including access to interns and other support mechanisms to help a small Solomon Islands mission operate effectively.
Ambassador Gonzenbach emphasised that a Geneva mission should be viewed as a long-term strategic investment for Solomon Islands. She also informed the meeting that Solomon Islands could explore double accreditation as Head of mission accredited to international Organisations in Geneva and as Resident Representative in Geneva which is possible for certain countries.
The Swiss Government offer now provides an opportunity for Solomon Islands to reassess its diplomatic footprint and determine whether a renewed presence in Geneva could deliver greater strategic value for Solomon Islands.
Minister Houenipwela agreed with the long-term investment vision for Solomon Islands’ strategic location in Geneva and thanked Ambassador Gonzenbach and the Swiss Government for the offer indicating that the proposal would receive the highest consideration by the Solomon Islands Government.
SOURCE// OFFICE OF PRIME MINISTER PRESS RELEASE
